SENATE DOCUMENT #23
APC Document #15
The Academic Policies Committee recommends to the Faculty Senate the
adoption of the following catalog changes for the Department of
Psychology:
CATALOG REVISIONS
DELETE: Present introduction.
ADD:
A major in Psychology involves study in several areas of the
broader discipline of psychological development, experience, and
behavior. The course offerings in this department have been designed
to facilitate students' acquiring the basic skills and information
necessary for a thorough and representative understanding of Psychology.
A sequence of eight courses is required of all majors:
Introductory (100); Psychological Statistics (303); Experimental
Psychology (304); Social (200); Child (205); Personality Dynamics
(225); and Learning (230); and Senior Seminar (425). In addition
to these eight courses, majors will elect at least 12 additional
hours in Psychology at the 300 or 400 level. The minimum number
of hours required for the major in Psychology is 36 credit hours.
The course numbers indicate the level and nature of each
course. PSYCHOLOGY 100, THE BASIC INTRODUCTORY COURSE, IS A
REQUIREMENT FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT COURSES, MAJORS AND NON-MAJORS ALIKE.
The 200-level courses more thoroughly develop the schools and theories
fundamental to the study of Psychology. Psychology 303 and 304 is
the research method sequence. Any 300-level course can be assumed to
prerequire 303, and any 400-level course prerequires both 303 and 304.
Thus the different course number "levels" specify the methodological
skills presumed necessary prior to electing a specific course.
There are four "core" courses -- Learning, Child, Personality
Dynamics, and Social, which represent the four general areas of
Psychology: Basic Processes, Developmental, Pre-Clinical, and Social.
Advanced courses are offered in each of these areas enabling the
undergraduate major to concentrate in one area. In addition specific
sequences tailored to the individual student's interests can be
recommended by Psychology Department faculty.
The department does not require a foreign language (see page
____). However, many graduate programs do require such proficiency.
As some professional positions in psychology require education at the
M.A. level or beyond, students are advised to consider the value of
learning a language which might be helpful in consulting the professional
literature or dealing with the public. All psychology majors are urged
to acquire basic computer data processing skills, increasingly in demand
in graduate study and the job market. Students are encouraged to seek
research or fieldwork experience appropriate to their interests and
career objectives. Academic credit for research or fieldwork can be
earned on an individuals basis up to a maximum of six hours.
Majors and non-majors alike are encouraged to discuss and
plan their proposed curricula with faculty members who can advise
them regarding options, prerequisites, and realistic career objectives.
REVISIONS OF COURSES
The complete list of courses the Psychology Department proposes
to offer next year are listed below. In the margin is listed the type
of revision being proposed. They include:
1) Edited: A number of courses need updated descriptions to
indicate more clearly the content and approach currently
being utilized. The courses which were edited include
Psychology 200, 205, 210, 212, 220, 225, 302, 320, 325, 404,
416, and 417.
2) Change in Course Number: Several courses were in need of
number changes to reflect more accurately the level of the
course as it is now being taught. In some cases the description
was edited as well. These courses are Psychology 310 to 230,
410 to 300, 403 to 326, 450 to 340, 315 to 440, 415 to 345,
405 to 316. These changes are noted as deletions and additions.
3) New Courses: A number of new courses are being proposed. All have
been offered previously as Special Topic courses. These include
Psychology 235, 240, 312, 314, 330, 350, 369, 401, 407, and 430.
The remaining courses listed below are presently in the catalog and no
changes have been made in their titles, numbers, or descriptions. Their
inclusions in this proposal is simply for clarity and ease of understanding
more completely the New Psychology Department curriculum.
4) Finally, one course has not been taught for four years and there
are no plans to offer it in the forseeable future. Therefore,
it is proposed that the following courses be deleted from the
catalog.
DELETE: Psychology 215 Title and Description.
100 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3)
This course considers the fundamental principles underlying
human behavior and includes such topics as personality development
and structure, conflict and adjustment, abnormal behavior and
mental health, social behavior, intelligence and assessment,
biological and genetic influences, the nervous system, sensation
and perception, cognitive processes, learning and motivation.
PREREQUISITE TO ALL COURSES IN THE DEPARTMENT. (BOLD FACE)
EDITED 200 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
The study of social influences on the individual. Topics
include the social psychology of experimentation, nonverbal
communication, person perception, impression formation and
management, attraction and love, group psychology, independence
and conformity. Readings and workshops will emphasize the
relevance of these processes in personal experience.
202 INDUSTRIAL AND PERSONNEL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Psychological theories covering selection, training, performance
standards, and motivation in business will be discussed. Special
emphasis will be given to the development of professional,
technical, and managerial personnel. This course will evaluate
the effects of communication patterns, environmental conditions,
and work group relationships on organization objectives.
303 PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS (4)
Descriptive and inferential statistics for psychological research.
Topics include central tendency and variability, probability,
correlation, estimation and inference, significance or differences,
hypothesis testing, non-parametrics and introduction to analysis
of variance. (Formerly 203, student may not earn course credit
for both.)
304 EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
A survey of the classical areas of Experimental Psychology with
emphasis on current theory and data. The course will also deal
extensively in laboratory procedures and skills; experiments
will be performed on human and animal learning, perceptual
processes and other areas. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 and
303. (Formerly 204, student may not earn credit for both.)
EDITED 205 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
A survey of the development of children from the prenatal period
through grade school, including an introduction to major current
developmental theories. Discussion will include changes in
physical characteristics, social and personality characteristics,
and cognitive and intellectual behavior. Projects involving
children are required.
EDITED 210 ADOLESCENCE (3)
A study of development from puberty through adjustment to
adulthood, including major developmental theories used to
explain adolescent behavior. Aspects of development to be
covered include physical and sexual development, social and
personality development, cognitive and intellectual development,
and problems of adjustment. Projects involving adolescents are
required. Prerequisites: Psychology 205.
EDITED 212 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING (3)
The study of psychological and physiological factors in the
aging process. A life-span developmental approach is adopted
to examine how adults adjust to changes in lifestyles, social
relationships, and physical abilities, and the continued
development of personality, emotions, and cognitions.
EDITED 220 PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION (3)
An application of psychological principles and research
findings to the study of learning processes in individuals
and groups. Discussion will focus on how changes in physical,
social-emotional, and cognitive intellectual development
affect learning. Information on the management and evaluation
of learning will also be included. Prerequisites: Psychology
205.
EDITED TITLE AND DESCRIP.
225 PERSONALITY DYNAMICS AND DEVELOPMENT (3)
Biographical studies and theories of personality development
through the life-cycle; dynamics of individual personality
(growth, adjustment, coping and defense); early family
influences on present personality; definitions of health and
of psychopathology.
ADD: 230 THEORIES OF LEARNING (3)
(EDITED AND NO. CHANGE
DELETE: 310)
The theories of the nature of learning, the prediction,
control, and assessment of learned responses are studied.
Topics covered are the acquisition, retention and forgetting
of information; the influences of motivation and emotion,
personality traits, individual differences, intelligence and
transfer of training.
ADD: 235 ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
NEW COURSE
A survey of theory and application of research in the
interrelationship of environment and behavior. Topics include
environmental perception, ecological issues, personal space,
territoriality, crowding and density, environmental cognition,
and the behavior basis of design and architecture. Guest
speakers, demonstrations, readings, class projects and field
observations will be employed to encourage critical evaluation
and comment on the direction of this area of psychology.
Rationale: This specialty is becoming a significant part
of the field of psychology. The recent approval by the Board
of Governors for a program in Environmental Studies is further
justification for the above course. When offered as a Special
Topics course this fall it drew an enrollment of 22 with a
number of the students coming from the professional community.
ADD: 240 MOTIVATION AND EMOTION (3)
NEW COURSE
A survey of theory and research on the following topics:
philosophical traditions of human motivation; early theories
of motivation; instinct and drive; physiological bases of
motivation and emotion; emotional experience and expression;
social and cognitive theories of motivation; achievement
motivation.
Rationale: The above course is a standard component of most
psychology departments. The addition of a faculty member
this year with expertise in this area enables the department
to now offer the course. When offered as a Special Topics
course this fall more than 30 students enrolled.
All 300 level courses prerequisite Psychology 303. Non-majors may
obtain advice and possible waiver from the instructor (BOLD FACE.)
ADD: 300 PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (3)
NUMBER CHANGE
The nature, causes, and treatment of abnormal behavior.
Emphasis is upon the concepts, methods, and findings of
the experimental laboratory. Non-laboratory models and
methods for the study of psychopathology are considered,
and clinical examples are introduced where relevant.
Prerequisites: Psychology 303 and 225.
DELETE: 410
EDITED 302 ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
In-depth study of selected topics of current theoretical
and research interest in social psychology. Readings and
projects will focus on such topics as group processes, crowd
behavior, attraction and affiliation, social movements and
motivation, social and research ethics, religious conversion
and fanaticism, and communication and mass media.
Prerequisites: Psychology 200 and 303.
305 PRINCIPLES OF GUIDANCE (3)
This course gives consideration to guidance philosophy,
principles, and procedures. Vocational, educational and
personal-social guidance services will be surveyed.
Prerequisite: Psychology 303.
ADD: 312 PSYCHOLOGY OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (3)*
NEW COURSE
Distinguishing characteristics of different groups of
exceptional children will be examined. Some of them will
include speech-handicapped, intellectually gifted, mentally
retarded, visually impaired, etc. General issues in
diagnosis-remediation of exceptional children will be
discussed. Prerequisites: Psychology 303 and 205.
ADD: 314 LEARNING DISABILITIES (3)*
NEW COURSE
Factors that contribute to the appearance of the educational
handicaps of learning disabled children will be reviewed.
Formal and informal assessment procedures and appropriate
remediational strategies will be discussed. Prerequisites:
Psychology 303 and 205.
*Rationale: The above two courses are part of the newly
approved program in Reading certification which will be
offered through the Psychology Department next year. Both
courses have been taught as Special Topics courses in the
past two years with approximately 12 students enrolled each
time. Both courses are significant to the understanding of
language acquisition or non-acquisition.
ADD: 316 TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS (3)
COURSE NO. CHANGE
DELETE: 405
The theoretical and practical considerations involved in
psychometrics (psychological measurement). Emphasis is on
test construction and interpretation of tests. There will
be a review of elementary statistical concepts early in the
course. Prerequisites: Psychology 303.
EDITED 320 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
This course deals broadly with the biological bases of human
behavior; emphasis is upon the physiology of motivation,
emotion, biological drives, audition, visionand problem-
solving. Prerequisite: Psychology 303.
EDITED 325 PERCEPTION (3)
The information processing approach will be adopted to survey
perceptual theories, vision and audition, attention, pattern
recognition and imagery. Readings and projects will also
emphasize the methodology and investigation of perceptual
phenomena. Prerequisite: Psychology 303.
ADD: 326 COGNITION (3)
EDITED & COURSE NO. CHANGE
DELETE: 403
A continuation of the information-processing approach in a
survey of the cognitive processes beyond sensation and
perception. Topics to be discussed and researched include
attention, memory, thought and reasoning, problem solving,
language, imaginal processes, creativity, and social
cognition. Prerequisites: Psychology 303 and 325.
ADD: 330 GROUP PROCESSES (3)
NEW COURSE
The study of the impact of groups and individuals within the group.
The characteristics and principles of group behavior are examined
in relation problem-solving ability, productivity, and improvement
in self-insight and interpersonal skills. Several models of group
interaction are surveyed to enable the student to have a clearer
understanding of the principles of group behavior. May include
participation in group as a participant/observer. Prerequisites:
Psychology 200 and 303.
Rationale: This is a standard course experience in most Psychology
departments. The department is now able to offer this course which
has frequently been requested by students. When offered as a Special
Topics course three years ago fifteen students enrolled.
ADD: 340 COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY (3)
COURSE NO. CHANGE
DELETE: 450
An introduction to the principles of community psychology and the
complex interrelationships between individuals and their environment.
The course will assess the differences between community psychology
and traditional clinical psychology and examine the emerging role
of the psychologist as a mental health consultant. Prerequisites:
Psychology 303.
ADD: 345 BEHAVIOR DISORDERS IN CHILDREN (3)
COURSE NO. CHANGE
DELETE: 415
Clinical approaches to psychopathology of childhood. Etiology and
modification of deviant behavior in various age groups through
adolescence will be studied from various theoretical viewpoints
found in contemporary child psychology. Prerequisities:
Psychology 205 and 303.
ADD: 350 BIOFEEDBACK AND SELF-REGULATION (3)
NEW COURSE
Theoetical and methodological issues related to the instrumental
conditioning of autonomically mediated responses will be considered.
Topics to be covered include instrumentation research strategies,
the use of meditation and hypnosis to alter consciousness, and the
application of autogenic training, progressive relaxation, and
related psycho-physiological techniques to treat psychosomatic and
stress-linked disorders. Students will be given an opportunity to
acquire and use biofeedback training to control their own involuntary
responses. Prerequisites: Psychology 303 and 230.
Rationale: The ability to measure and condition autonomically
mediated responses has developed only within the last ten years
in the field of psychology. Instrumentation efficiency has made
it feasible to readily assess these physiological states. A
recent grant awarded to the Psychology Department has enabled us
the purchasing of several measurement devises. When offered as
a Special Topics course last year, over fifty students enrolled.
ADD: 369 HUMAN SEXUALITIES (3)
NEW COURSE
A survey and critique of current empirical research on all aspects
of human sexual behavior. The primary objective of this study is
to provide future educators, counselors, and human service workers
with accurage and explicit information and resources for influencing
healthy and productive personal relationships.
Rationale: Offered for the past five yeras as the vehicle for
exploring and applying the Basic Processes under the 425-Senior
Seminar label.
All 400 level courses prerequire Psychology 303 and 304, Non-majors may
obtain advice and possible waiver from the instructor. (Bold face)
400 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY (3)
A survey of current theories concerning the integration of human
behavior. The emphasis is on the contribution made by the major
psychological theorists of the twentieth century. Prerequisites:
Psychology 303, 304 and 225.
ADD: 401 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (3)
NEW COURSE
A psycholinguistic approach to the study of language including
the role of biological processes and social processes. Topics
to be covered include theoretical perspectives on the nature
of language and communication, characeristics of sound, meaning,
and grammatical systems, and the development and use of language.
Prerequisites: Psychology 303, 304, 325, and 326.
Rationale: This is another course required in the Reading
certification program being offered next year in conjunction
with the Education Department. The course has been offered
before as a Special Topics course.
404 ADVANCED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
EDITED
An in-depth study of selected topics in developmental psychology
that are of current research and theoretical interest. The
course will be conducted as a seminar in which students develop
the focus of discussion oneach topic. Students will be required
to develop and present one topic of their own choice to the class.
Prerequisites: Psychology 303, 304, and 205.
ADD: 407 COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3)
NEW COURSE
Review of ethological and psychologial concepts and methods used
to study a variety of organisms ranging from fish to primates.
Topics to be examined include instinctive response patterns and
their releasers, assessment of intellectual abilities, species-
specific communication among conspecifics, acquired language
skills by primates, mother-infant interaction, and the differential
influence of experience on development. Prerequisites: Psychology
303, 304, and 230.
Rationale: Again this is a standard course offering in most
psychology departments. The department has the necessary
expertise to provide a quality experience and considers the
cross-species comparisons of great significance to the
understanding of human behavior. The course has been offered
before as a special topics course.
411 HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY (3)
This course involves a psychological analysis of man's strivings
toward self-actualization in a world filled with uncertainties
and problems. Significant observations and comments made by
leaders of the humanistic psychology movement are discussed, and
contributions which have come from the humanities are included.
Emphasis is given to topics which appear to be of particular
concern to humans, e.g., love, creativity, meaning, existential
anxieties, and peak experiences. Prerequisites: Psychology 303,
304 and 225.
416 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL ISSUES, METHODS AND INSIGHTS I -
ASSESSMENT (3)
EDITED
An introduction to interviewing and diagnostic testing;
individual personality description and diagnosis; supportive
psychotherapy and other interventions; issues of professional
ethics. Prerequisites: Psychology 303, 304, 225, 300, and
316.
417 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL ISSUES, METHODS AND INSIGHTS II -
THE PSYCHOTHERAPIES (3)
EDITED
Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy; group experiences
vis-a-vis personal change; Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and
other new schools and methods. Prerequisites: Psychology 303,
304, 225, 300, 316 and 416.
420 DIRECTED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Supervised research in selected basic problems in psychology,
animal or human, individual or groups. An exceptional project
may be continued, or a second one undertaken, for a maximum of
six hours credit under this designation.
Prerequisites: A minimum of 20 hours in psychology, including
Psychology 303 and 304, and the consent of the
instructor.
425 SENIOR SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
EDITED
A coordinating seminar for senior psychology majors aimed at
synthesizing the student's academic experiences. Models,
methods, current issues, and research will be explored by
each member of the psychology faculty on topics related to
his or her specialized area of research. Related readings
will be heavy and student contributions essential.
Prerequisite: A minimum of 24 hours in Psychology
ADD: 430 BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION (3)
NEW COURSE
An introduction to the underlying assumptions and basic
principles involved in behavior modification. The course
provides an overview of the behavioral model and its origins
in experimental psychology. The application of behavior
modification principles to various populations and across a
wide range of conditions will be critically examined.
Examples of topics covered are alcoholism, sexual deviation,
anxiety management, and behavior modification in the classroom.
Prerequisites: Psychology 303, 304, 230, 300, and 316.
Rationale: The application of behavioral principles to human
problems has become a major form of clinical intervention in
Psychology. The broad range of populations which maybe
appropriate for behavior modification procedures makes the
course ideally suited for the classroom as well as the
organization. When offered as a Special Topics course it has
had an average enrollment of twenty students.
ADD: 440 HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY (3)
EDITED AND
COURSE NO. CHANGE
DELETE: 315
The history of the study of human behavior from its origins in
philosophy and biology to contemporary schools of psychology.
This course traces the development of psychology through the
study of the founders of the science who contributed significant
ideas and influenced western civilization. Modern trends are
discussed in terms of various schools of psychology.
461-6 FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE (1-6)
Advanced psychology students are placed in social or mental
health agencies for experience and training under professional
supervision. Includes correlative reading and biweekly seminar.
May be repeated to a maximum total of six hours credit.
Prerequisites: 15 hours of psychology, including Psychology 300
and permission of the instructor. (Grading: S/U)
171-6, 271-6, 371-6, 471-6 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY (1-6)
Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for
which there may from time to time be a need. May be repeated
as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor as appropriate to
area and level.
(Passed Faculty Senate February 9, 1979)